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Does your morning shave seem more like a chore than a pleasure? For many men, staving off stubble is just another step in a.m. drudgery, not to mention a source of skin irritation and razor burn.

Once upon a time, though, shaving was an art form, and barbers were the purveyors of the perfect shave. With the right tools, tips, and techniques, that perfect shave can be yours every morning.

Here are the essential tips and tricks to help you rediscover this grooming ritual and minimize the skin irritation, razor burn, and other issues that often accompany shaving.

The Pre-Shave

Rinse with warm water. This is a great first step to soften your skin, says Celeste Hilling, CEO and founder of Skin Authority, a healthy skin care company. It also prepares your face for step two.

Wash your face. “I recommend a gel cleanser that includes an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to kill surface bacteria and prep the skin to absorb the shaving product more effectively for a closer, smoother shave,” Hilling says. “Avoid scrubs with larger particles prior to shaving as they may cause more post-inflammatory reactions such as razor burn or breakouts.”

Keep skin damp. Now grab a clean, soft towel and pat rather than rub the skin of your face. “Don’t dry it completely,” Hilling warns. “Following cleansing, you need to leave skin moist for the shave.” This also helps prevent razor burn.

The Perfect Shave

Use a gel. “There’s much less friction with gel, and I can put it all over my entire face without too much problem,” says Neal Schultz, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. You can use fancier, more expensive products, but Schultz says that the shaving gels sold at grocery and drug stores will give you just what you need.

Pick a razor with multiple blades and some heft. Hilling says a straight razor works best, but there’s a trial-and-error learning curve involved that could lead to nicks and cuts. For the next best thing, try a razor with at least two parallel blades in a disposable head. Disposable doesn’t mean cheap, though. “I recommend shaving with a heavier razor, something with some weight to it,” says Billy Lowe, a Beverly Hills-based celebrity hair stylist and Hollywood beauty expert. “The plastic hotel razors will cut you like raw meat. Use a weighted handle for easier glide — hold the razor lightly in your hands and let it dance.”

Shave in the direction of your natural growth. “Never shave against the hair, especially in the neck area,” says Lowe. “So many men make the mistake of upward strokes in the neck area — it’s a big no-no to go against the hair, especially in this area. Always shave with the hair."

Shave more than once. “When I shave, I shave three times!” Lowe says. “The first time is to get rid of the hair. The second time is to get a closer cut, and the third time is to give a light exfoliation over the skin to reveal brighter, more youthful-looking skin. At 40 years old, I still get carded, and my skin has never looked better.”

Consider electric for sensitive skin. If skin irritation and razor burn are consistent problems, Dr. Schultz says that an electric razor might be a good choice. If you want to stay with traditional wet shaving, consider shaving on alternate days and be sure to shave only with the grain of the hair, he advises.

The Post-Shave

Pat your face. Once again, you can preserve good results by patting your damp face with a clean, dry towel after shaving. Don’t rub and distress your skin.

Skip the after-shave. Lowe says that a simple facial moisture cream is a better choice than harsh after-shaves with alcohol and other skin-damaging ingredients. “After shaving, I do not use alcohol on my skin or any toners or chemicals like glycols or retinols,” he says. “Skin is much too sensitive after shaving for these. Slightly towel-blot the face, and immediately apply moisture cream to skin while it is still slightly damp. Don't wait until you're dressed, don't wait until you dry your hair — do it immediately after your shave.”

Address skin problems promptly. If you do get razor burn, Schultz says that a styptic pencil followed with an antibiotic cream is a quick fix. Also beneficial, Hilling says, is a skin toner with a combination of 8 percent glycolic acid and 2 percent salicylic acid used daily (though not right after shaving). And if you’re really bothered by these complexion complaints, shave the night before. “Cuts, nicks, and irritation are easier to control if you have more time to control them,” says Lowe. “Never race out the door with toilet paper stuck to your skin.”

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